Private tour to Sanahin, Haghpat & Odzun Monasteries, "Mendz Er Cave"
Description
During this one-day private tour, we will be travelling in the direction of north-east from Yerevan, to one of the greenest regions of Armenia – Lori. You will discover Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in UNESCO list. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located within 20 minutes of drive from each other. On your way to powerful monasteries you will have a stop next to the Sanahin Old Bridge from the 12th century. Choose one of the presented individual tours, customize it or create your private tour in Armenia with Jan Armenia Tours and Travel! Book with us & Let us show you the Land of old Legends, Biblical Stories and Ancient History! Zarni-Parni / Mendz er cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Monastery Complex of Haghpat is located in the village of Haghbat, Lori region. Haghpat Monastery was founded in the X-XIII centuries by the royal Bagratuni dynasty. Of all the monastic buildings preserved - the main church of St. Nshan (967-991) with sculptural images from the outside and murals (XIII-XIV centuries) inside, the church of St. Gregory (1005) and a small dome church of St. Astvatsatsin (XII-XIII centuries), a refectory of the 13th century, a book depository of the 13th century, a tiered bell tower (1245), khachkars (cross-stones). The Hghpat monastery was the largest scientific center with a rich collection of manuscripts. There were rooms for the census of manuscripts of the library, refectory and universities. Since 1996, the Haghpat monastery is protected by UNESCO and included in the List of World Heritage Sites.
One of the mysterious corners of Lori Province is the Zarni-Parni cave-fortress complex, located in the western part of Haghpat Monastery. The structural components of this historical complex are the “Zarni er”, “Parni er” and “Tsak er” caves.
There is a very beautiful cave near the unique monastery of Sanahin, called "Mendz Er". It is one of the most interesting places in Lori region, where you can see both the magic of nature and the ancient cave.
Mendz Er cave is located in Alaverdi on the way to Sanahin monastery. The complex has museum section which is situated within a cave
Sanahin Monastery is located in the village of Sanahin, Lori region. Sanahin Monastery was built in 10th - 13th centuries. This monastery was the educational centre of Armenia. There were academies, libraries, scriptoriums and schools where the books were copied. In the first half of the 10th century Armenian clerics expelled from Byzantium constructed St. Astvatsatsin (the Mother of God) in Sanahin. The main monastery church, Amenaprkich (962), Gregory Magistros academy (11 th century), the round St. Gregory the Illuminator temple (1061), scriptorium (1063) and belfry (13th century) were later built around it. The complex is under protection of the UNESCO.
Odzun Monastery is located on a plateau above the canyon of the Debed River near the town of Alaverdi, Lori region. Odzun Monastery is the most interesting construction in the north of Armenia, only because it was built in the VI century. The temples of this century in Armenia are single, and there is only one in the north. It differs in size and layout of the building. Odzun Monastery is one of the only specimens of this type. Instead of the vestibule the temple is surrounded by a wall with arches, which is almost never seen in Armenia. On the west side, two belfries are attached, but this is a novelty of the XIX century.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will organize pick-up from your hotel, hostel, apartment.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
I would like to thank the staff of tourist company of Jan Armenia, especially Nelli, who did offer our this trip, for the nice cooperation during our stay in Yerevan, where we enjoyed a guided tour of Yerevan's most notable places - the building of the Armenian National Opera, Cafesijan Center for the Arts, Republic Square, as well as in the Taverna Restaurant we were able to participate in the preparation and baking of the Armenian national cake Gata and, of course, tasete it. I can say with absolute certainty - you will definitely like and taste it! However, the most memorable part was the tasting of Armenia's most famous wines, where we could taste and taste the various wines on offer. We also chose the Private trip to Dzoraget Canyon - the tour company employee Nelli, was very responsive and by combining our wishes and her offer, a very fulfilling but wonderful adventure was created, which I would recommend to all tourists who want not only to see, but also to enjoy Armenian hospitality and an unforgettable experience and feelings! The trip to Dzoraget Canyon in the Lori region became the highlight of our Armenia trip, accompanied by a very knowledgeable and qualified guide (and driver in one) Tigran, who pampered us all day long with historical stories and fascinating legends about every object we passed - Mount Aragat, the city of Spitak, the Haghpat Monastery complex with a special atmosphere, which did not skimp on the wonderful sunset views of the mountains and the historical facts of the Odzun church building. In the village of Odzun, we tasted the wonderfully delicious Armenian national dishes at the B&B Odzun restaurant with the very friendly and hard-working owner Sergej, where we took part in baking an Armenian fruit pie, which we then tasted at the end of the rich lunch. But the most memorable was the wonderful and also challenging trek in the mountains along the Dzoraget canyon on horseback. Right from the beginning, the weather promised to be harsh, as it rained and thunder made its appearance every now and then. However, together with the instructor of the horses, we still decided to go to the mountains to enjoy unforgettable sensations! Despite the fact that we were wet and soaked through, we returned after 2 hours happy and satisfied. We thank the organizers of this offer, as well as the tour company's wonderful, intelligent and very knowledgeable guide Tigran, as well as the horse groomer and owner, as well as everyone else involved! Best Regards Ineta from Danmark/Latvia
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience with us was unforgettable. Our team works hard to create well-rounded itineraries and memorable experiences, and we’re glad we could deliver that for you. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!" Your review made our day! We’re so pleased that you had such a positive experience. We’re committed to keeping up the excellent service, and we can’t wait to see you again soon!
Thursday 7th Visited the Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin 10-13th centuries UNESCO heritage sites in the fall. About 35 km from Georgian border. Stunning views from this mountain location. Haghpat is regal with commanding views and Sanahin is so beautiful and serene capturing all the fall colors. Haghpat lies on a dissected plateau and ascent to and from the river is quite a climb. I was fortunate to be accompanied by Lilit who is a very knowledgeable guide and provided detailed descriptions of the complex and Byzantine ecclesiastical and traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region. And importantly the history. If you have an accomplished guide it adds so much more to the experience. The monasteries were important learning centers for centuries. Haghpat Monastery was once one of the largest centres of science, with a rich collection of manuscripts plus places for copying and studying. Monks could study medicine, astronomy, music, literature, etc One of the handful of Armenian khachkars to feature Jesus Christ is on display at Haghpat Monastery. Not too far from the monasteries is the 5-7th Century Holy Church of Odzun perched on top of a high plateau. Three naves of pink felsite basilica and barrel vaulted roof with a later 19th century of two small bell towers addition is a charming sight. We were fortunate enough to meet the engaging priest who gave us a personal tour, and I suspect he does this often. Please note that the 175 km drive in view of road works made this a long day and probably added an hour to our drive. The positive side was that Lilit used this time to provide me with her impressions of current and past history and culture of the Armenian people which made it very personal. Ruben, our driver, was diligent at navigating his way through all the road constructions safely, and we all had great fun stopping at the bakery on the way there. These sites are amazing and time well spent if you are interested and intrigued by Armenia’s history and culture. Highly recommend Jan Armenia Tours and Lilit and Ruben who made me very welcome and ensured that I had a great time.
Dear Janene, thanks for your feedback and for recommending our company😊 Hope to see you soon in Armenia again))
